Woodwork for Beginners

Ref: C2524047

An exciting new evening class for absolute beginners, this course is an opportunity to try something different, learn new skills working at your own pace, without pressure. You will be encouraged to choose a small project, design & construct it, after learning how to use tools and improve techniques in a helpful, friendly atmosphere with attention to Health & Safety at all times. We hope to incorporate student's suggestions (what you'd like to learn) into the 11 weeks.
Students comment that learning in a co-operative working group, where differences are respected and equality matters, makes attending a course a valuable 'social occasion.'
Advice on suitable small projects will be given & constraints on size, cost, skill levels required influence project choices.

Course aim

To enable complete & absolute beginners to learn about timber & joinery skills in a friendly environment, in order to design, plan and construct a small project, gaining skills & confidence that can be useful outside the classroom.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

No skills or experience needed

This course is for beginners

Willingness to learn new skills & work with others
Measuring & perform simple sums is useful but not essential
Ability to stand at a bench & grip tools is essential
Please discuss any disabilities or health issues prior to enrolling

By the end of the course I should be able to:

Produce simple sketches, with measurements, to assist in the Design of a project.

Practice construction techniques and when improved, use these in a project.

Observe and practice various assembly techniques used to finish the project.

Learn about & Demonstrate Safety in the workshop and safe working practice at all times including minimising risks to self and others

How will I be taught?

The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning

You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning

You will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time

Skills for project will be shown & practiced for improvement.
Students then plan the order of tasks in project construction (design/cutting list, timber selection & component prep, labelling & cutting joints, cleaning up & assembly)

What kind of feedback can I expect?

A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion

You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor

You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning

You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions

A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress

There will be a number of tasks appropriate to your course such as written work, creating art or craft, video, photography or small projects. Some of these may be marked to help you progress

Students discuss, observe, measure, touch and manipulate work done in order to evaluate accuracy. We will discuss & assess if practice work is fit for purpose, then the 'next stage' can be started.

What else do I need to know?

A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you

It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful

Project design: if you research a small project please remember it may not be realistic to make within constraints of time, equipment, materials or complexity. Advice will be given to ensure choices are suitable.

What can I do next?

Progress to another WEA course

Progress to a course with another provider

Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member

Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation

As a registered charity, and to meet our funders’ requirements, we need to check a few things with you before you book. Please could we ask that you check the list below to ensure you meet our basic criteria:

You are paying the standard fee (with a credit or debit card) or you are on any of the qualifying benefits

You have a valid email address so that you can receive confirmation of your booking